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Cold Water Quest
Leafy sea dragon
(Phycodurus esques)
Leafy sea dragons can be found in the southeastern Indian Ocean along parts of the coast of southern Australia. This beautifully camouflaged creature lives close to reefs where there is kelp or other algae. Its leaf-like appendages and its slow random swimming motion, that mimics the movement of the algae, allow it to blend perfectly with its surroundings. Sea dragons belong to the same group as sea horses and pipe fish.
One of the most extraordinary things about the leafy sea dragon is that the male carries the fertilized eggs imbedded in the skin of its abdomen. When the miniature young emerge, he can be said to “give birth” to his offspring. As soon as a young sea dragon leaves the safety of its father’s tail, it receives no further help from its parents.
Fun Facts
- The leafy sea dragon eats mysids (tiny shrimp-like crustaceans) by sucking them up through its tube-like snout.
- Sea dragons do not have scales, but are covered with jointed, armor-like plates.
- The male carries the eggs for four to six weeks and may have two broods per breeding season.
- The leafy sea dragon is very difficult to maintain in an aquarium because of its strict dietary requirements.
- Leafy sea dragons are listed as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List because of illegal collections.
- Download full fact sheet
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